Design: State of grace

Auckland builder Paul Hawthorn had a hard time convincing his mother he was doing the right thing when he bought a former state house in Onehunga six years ago.

"She thought it was awful," he recalls. "She said it smelled of vomit and she was shocked at the state it was in. There was even a hole in the front porch. She couldn't believe I was considering taking it on."

But he could see that the three-bedroom house had potential.

"These homes were well-built but not designed for modern living, so I knew that it was a project I could get my teeth into."

When wife-to-be Rebecca arrived on the scene a few months later, the transformation of the rundown property really kicked into gear. While Paul took care of rebuilding the home, Rebecca brought a designer's eye to the project.

Though now in the fashion industry, she had studied interior design and interiors are still one of her passions.

The major makeover included extending the rear of the home to create a light-filled open-plan kitchen and dining area that flows to a large deck and landscaped backyard.

To ensure this new area didn't look tacked-on, the couple chose materials that linked the old with the new, including recycled rimu flooring to match the original rimu floors.

Two colours in varying strengths have been used throughout: a dusty taupe and a lichen stone green.

"We painted one of the bedrooms a deep burgundy but it was too dark," says Rebecca.

"We wanted something more restful and calm so we tried [the lichen stone green] next and liked it so much that we used it in two of the three bedrooms."

After years of methodically working their way through the renovation, the couple's priorities were turned on their head with the arrival of daughter Isabella almost two years ago. To cater for the new family member, the spare bedroom became Paul's office and the bedroom he had been using as an office became Isabella's nursery.

The lounge was one of the last areas to be refurbished, with the fireplace rebuilt and custom-made shelving installed. "The great thing about having a husband who is a builder is that I can get him to build shelves to suit the size of my things, like vases and glasses," says Rebecca.

"He is the kind of builder who believes a job should be done properly and the finishing in this house is beautiful."

STYLE TIPS

True colours: Rebecca recommends choosing pieces you love, rather than following fads. "Trends come and go but if you fill your home with things you love your home will always have a cohesive look to it."

Spend on quality: Rebecca doesn't regret spending money on the lights over the kitchen bench. "They add drama to what is otherwise a very practical kitchen," she says. "They were a splurge worth every penny."

Made to order: When the couple couldn't find bathroom cabinetry they liked, Paul built it himself. The bathroom was purpose-designed for their needs, from the super-deep bath to the twin basins.